Zesty Bacon-Infused Black Beans
This delectable Zesty Bacon-Infused Black Beans recipe is the perfect combination of smoky bacon, robust black beans, and vibrant spices that culminates in a sensational side dish. After countless attempts to find a black beans recipe that captured the essence of my favorite flavors, I decided to experiment in the kitchen. The results were nothing short of delightful, making these beans a staple at our family meals, especially when we indulge in Mexican cuisine. The addition of lime juice offers a refreshing tang that brightens the dish and perfectly balances the richness of the bacon. Whether served alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, these beans are sure to impress your guests and family alike.
N/A
Servings
123
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6 slices (chopped)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely diced)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (petite diced)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
Lime juice
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain excess grease and set aside.
2
Carefully drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. This will provide the perfect base for sautéing the vegetables.
3
In the same skillet with the remaining bacon grease, add the chopped onion and diced jalapeño pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the jalapeño is tender.
4
Stir in the drained black beans, petite diced tomatoes, garlic salt, ground cumin, and chili powder. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the tomatoes have slightly reduced in texture.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lime juice over the bean mixture. Gently stir to combine.
6
Finally, top the dish with the crisp bacon pieces. If you enjoy more heat, consider leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
7
Serve warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
14.25g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Bacon-Infused Black Beans?
They are a sensational side dish that combines smoky bacon, robust black beans, and vibrant spices with a refreshing lime tang.
How many calories are in a serving of these beans?
There are approximately 123 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
Each serving provides about 4.5g of protein.
How many slices of bacon are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy.
Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, although bacon is a key flavor, the tags suggest it can be adapted as a vegetarian option by omitting the meat or using a plant-based substitute.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be chopped and sautéed in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of black beans, which should be rinsed and drained.
How long should the bean mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.
What role does lime juice play in the recipe?
Lime juice offers a refreshing tang that brightens the dish and balances the richness of the bacon.
How much bacon grease should be kept for sautéing?
Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease to provide a base for the vegetables.
Which vegetables are sautéed in the bacon grease?
One cup of chopped onion and one seeded, finely diced jalapeño pepper are sautéed in the grease.
Is this black bean dish spicy?
It has a zesty profile with a jalapeño and chili powder, categorized as spicy but adjustable to your preference.
How can I make the beans even spicier?
Consider leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes.
What are the primary spices used?
The key spices are garlic salt, ground cumin, and chili powder.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The dish contains approximately 5.5g of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 14.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the jalapeño be prepared?
The jalapeño should be seeded and finely diced before being added to the skillet.
What are some recommended serving suggestions?
These beans are best served alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
When should the crispy bacon be added?
The bacon pieces should be added as a topping after the beans have finished simmering and the lime juice has been stirred in.
What size can of black beans is needed?
You will need one 15-ounce can of black beans.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic or garlic salt?
This specific recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
This recipe is intended to be a sensational side dish.
How much chopped onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
What type of cuisine is this recipe associated with?
It is primarily associated with Mexican cuisine.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much ground cumin should I add?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Should I rinse the canned black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be both rinsed and drained before being added to the skillet.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 main ingredients.
How long do you sauté the onion and jalapeño?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the jalapeño is tender.